Shrimp Caesar Salad (Low FODMAP Option)

This shrimp Caesar salad has everything you love about the classic—crisp romaine, juicy grilled shrimp, parmesan, and a creamy homemade Caesar dressing—all brought together in one fresh, flavorful dish. It's easy to make and perfect for a quick lunch or light dinner.

This version includes a low FODMAP option and uses a simple crouton alternative for that signature crunch, so you can enjoy all the texture and flavor while adapting it to your needs. It's also low carb, grain-free, and gluten-free.

If you're looking for more shrimp salads and bowls like this one, be sure to check out my full collection of dinner salad recipes! Or, if you prefer chicken over shrimp, try my Chicken Caesar Salad!

Crouton Alternative for Extra Crunch

Traditional salad croutons aren't always the easiest or cleanest option, so this recipe uses a simple alternative to get that classic Caesar crunch.

Pork rinds add a crispy, savory bite that compliments the flavor of the shrimp so well with very little effort. For the best texture and flavor, you can quickly sauté them in a bit of garlic-infused oil and butter or ghee—they crisp up even more and take on more incredible, garlicy flavor in just a couple of minutes. They're honestly hard to stop eating this way.

If you're short on time, you can also skip the skillet and simply crush the pork rinds and sprinkle them over the salad. They still add plenty of crunch with hardly any prep.

If you prefer, feel free to use your favorite croutons with this shrimp Caesar salad or leave them off entirely. This salad is flexible and works either way.

About the Crouton Alternative

Pork rinds (also called chicharrones) are a crunchy, savory snack made from fried pork skin. They're easy to find in most grocery stores and add a quick, no-prep way to get that classic Caesar crunch.

If you're following a low FODMAP approach, plain, unflavored pork rinds are generally the best option. Some varieties include added seasonings like garlic or onion, so it's worth checking labels.

As with any higher-fat food, tolerance can vary—start with a small amount and adjust based on what works for you.

Necessary Equipment

• Outdoor grill (I use a natural gas grill) or grill pan
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cutting board
• Chopping knife
• Large salad bowl
• Salad tongs (or any tongs that will toss salad)
• Stovetop
• Large skillet
• Spatula
• Grill / barbecue skewers - I use metal grill skewers. If you use wooden skewers, you will need to soak them in water prior to using them.
• 2 baking sheets or platters for raw / cooked shrimp
• Basting brush
• 4 large plates

Ingredients & Tips for the Best Shrimp Caesar Salad

Homemade Caesar Dressing

Start by preparing your homemade Caesar dressing. A homemade version only takes a few minutes and adds the best flavor, but you can use your favorite store-bought option if preferred.

For the best texture, keep the dressing separate until just before serving if you're not eating the salad right away—this helps prevent the lettuce from getting soggy.

Crouton Alternative

For crunch, use pork rind croutons (see notes above for options). You can either sauté them for extra flavor or simply crush and sprinkle them over the salad for a quicker option.

Shrimp

Grill the shrimp over medium heat on an outdoor grill or grill pan for about 5–6 minutes total, flipping halfway through, until they're pink and cooked through. A light coating of oil, salt, and pepper is all you need.

Lettuce and Parmesan

Use crisp romaine lettuce as the base and toss with freshly grated parmesan cheese. A little goes a long way here and adds that classic Caesar flavor.

Assemble

Add the croutons and toss everything together until evenly coated. Divide between plates, top with shrimp, and finish with extra parmesan and freshly cracked black pepper if desired.